100 Sled Dogs Killed in British Columbia

[Rambler]

100 Sled Dogs Killed In British Columbia Due To Slump In Tourism
The Huffington Post Joanna Zelman
Posted: 01/31/11 03:21 PM

The heinous slaughter of 100 dogs in British Columbia has revealed a "dirty secret" of the dog sled industry, according to CKNW.

Following the 2010 Olympic Games, there was a slump in business at Outdoor Adventures Whistler. CBC News reports that an employee was ordered to kill 100 dogs from a pack of 300. The dogs were repeatedly shot and had their throats slashed before being dumped into a mass grave.

The employee describes one dog whose "eye was hanging off, and it was still running around." Another dog was dumped into the grave while still alive, and the Outdoor Adventures Whistler employee watched as the dog tried to climb out. The employee has been reportedly compensated for experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder after conducting the killings.

It is unclear if the company will actually face criminal charges. According to Marcie Moriarty, general manager for cruelty investigations with the BC SPCA, it is actually legal to shoot an animal if it dies instantly. But the report seems to demonstrate that these dogs did not instantly die, and thus SPCA plans to now dig up the mass grave to determine if there is substantial evidence for a criminal investigation.

These 100 dogs were used for human entertainment, and were then murdered when humans were no longer entertained by them. While this story is horrific, similar events happen regularly - many race horses are slaughtered once past their prime, and up to 4 million pets are killed in shelters each year, often due to bored or unprepared owners abandoning them.

As for the inhumane slaughter of these dogs, farm animals are frequently tortured and killed for human consumption. The murder of these 100 dogs is not unique, and animal slaughter is often performed in the name of human interests.

[jyotin]

Reading this makes me so sad, however I agree with that last sentence in that this is similar to the slaughtering of farm animals for human consumption. The whole concept is just very unfortunate.

[HiTenshi16]

That is so sad, how people are just so cruel to animals like that, those poor dogs

[CaliforniaWolf]

Good God. I nearly cried when I read this. Sadly it happens in many places with horses and cattle. Disgusting. They should have an astronomical fine and community service at the least!!

[Amy]

That is so sad, how people are just so cruel to animals like that, those poor dogs

[wen]

-

[malamutemick]

I feel sick & totally sickened

[CaliforniaWolf]

Sometimes; and too often, I hate human kind, and unfortunatelly I am one of them....

Agreed

(or maybe am I am extraterrestrial ?).

Haha sometimes I feel the same way about myself.

[wicca1]

really sickening i'm totally speechless and in shock at this .

[CaliforniaWolf]

http://www.adventureswhistler.com/dog-sled

Outdoor Adventures has voluntarily suspended operations of Howling Dog Tours Whistler Inc., as of February 1, 2011. For more information, click here.

GOOD. Stupide, stupide people. I hope they get shut down, that's the least they deserve.

The "click here" leads to this :

February 1: Outdoor Adventures at Whistler Ltd. voluntarily suspends operations of Howling Dog Tours Whistler Inc.

Effective today, Outdoor Adventures at Whistler Ltd. (OAW) has voluntarily suspended operations of Howling Dog Tours Whistler Inc.OAW is conducting its own investigation and working with authorities to determine the facts.
Until a further decision is reached, Howling Dog Tours Whistler Inc.has ceased conducting tours. Employees will continue to be paid and will care for the dogs.
OAW is shocked and appalled by the events described in the Workers' Compensation Board (WCB) ruling issued late last week related to Howling Dog Tours Whistler Inc.
Contrary to media reports, OAW did not instruct the employee to euthanize the dogs in the manner described in the report. The employee in question was the General Manager of Howling Dog Tours Whistler Inc.at the time and is the Founder and long-time operator of that business.
Furthermore, contrary to media reports, OAW had no input into the WCB ruling, nor the "Employer's Report of Injury" referenced in the ruling.
OAW was aware of the relocation and euthanization of dogs at Howling Dog Tours Whistler Inc. in April 2010, but OAW expected this to be done in a proper, legal and humane manner. OAW learned otherwise for the first time on Friday, January 28 when OAW read the WCB ruling for the first time.
Media inquiries:
media@adventureswhistler.com
604 760 4366


January 31: Statement from Outdoor Adventures at Whistler Ltd. (OAW)

VANCOUVER, Jan. 31 /CNW/ - Outdoor Adventures Whistler (OAW) only recently learned of tragic and regrettable events regarding a cull of animals at Howling Dog Tours Whistler Inc. (Howling Dogs) that are the subject of a WCB ruling issued last week. Contrary to media reports, OAW did not instruct the General Manager to carry out the cull in the manner described in the report.
OAW was aware of the relocation and euthanization of dogs at Howling Dogs in April 2010 but it was our expectation that it was done in a proper, legal and humane manner. We only learned otherwise on Friday, January 28 when we read the WCB ruling for the first time.
OAW is now investigating the matter.
BACKGROUND
While OAW has had a financial interest in Howling Dogs for 4 years the operational control of the company remained with the employee referred to in the WCB ruling who was the General Manager of Howling Dogs at the time of the incident. The employee in question in the ruling submitted both the employee report and the employer report to WCB.
Not long after the events of late April, the employee in question ceased managing the business. This employee continues to get our support as he heals from his injuries and illness. Because of the information in the WCB ruling pertaining to his emotional condition we don't feel it is appropriate to release further information about this individual.
In May 2010 Outdoor Adventures assumed operational control of Howling Dogs. With professional consultation and new leadership, Howling Dogs made significant changes to the business, the intention of which was to ensure humane treatment of our dogs and improved safety protocols of the operation. Measures included:
* Relocation and delivery of dogs throughout Canada. Approximately 75 of the most capable dogs were delivered across British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario to other operations. These dogs were given away for free and delivered at Howling Dog's expense.
* The neutering of all male dogs in the kennel to mitigate unwanted pregnancies and ultimately manage our population. This program was designed and implemented with our staff and our veterinarian in Whistler.
* Creation of an open-pen style kennel where dogs are not tethered or chained. Consulted with animal behavioral specialists and professionals to determine the best format and layout for this type of kennel. Currently 85% of our kennel has been transitioned with a goal of 100% transitioned before Summer 2011.
* It is now company policy that any dogs requiring euthanasia do so at our veterinarian's office. To this effect there are no firearms on our site.
We have hired a new manager for Howling Dogs who with the support of key operational staff at Outdoor Adventures is working to craft the finest dogsled operation in the world with the highest standards in the industry.
On December 1, 2010 our veterinarian conducted his bi-annual inspection of all dogs and kennel conditions and the summary of his report reads, "Overall, I am very pleased at the substantive improvements seen at the facility and have no concerns about the dogs' quality of life or for the care they are provided. Overall, this is a healthy and well cared for group of dogs."
For further information:
Media Contact:
604 760 4366
media@adventureswhistler.com

[Hawthorne]

Reading this makes me so sad, however I agree with that last sentence in that this is similar to the slaughtering of farm animals for human consumption. The whole concept is just very unfortunate.

Yes, but no one ate the dogs like people eat livestock (which I don't eat livestock...so that's not me trying to justify this...) The dogs were obviously treated as a "thing" as opposed to living, breathing creatures.

This is outrageous! I would hope that the sled dog industry would somehow come forward and make a statement AGAINST treating animals this way. Sick sick sick. When things like this happen I can't help but turn the tables and think what would happen if we started killing non-productive co-workers. Why couldn't those dogs be sent to a rescue organization? Why didn't the employee refuse, and offer to figure out where the dogs could go?

I think what upsets me the most is thinking of who made this decision--obviously they had no attachment to the dogs whatsoever. Like deciding to sell off extra property.

Uh, I'm way too sensitive. I envision these things in my head when I read stuff like this. Hear the dogs screaming... how they must have felt betrayed, and what they thought as they lay in a pit dying next to their pack members. Excuse me, I have to go vomit now.

[Tamaddict]

How awful

[TeresaC]

Sickened, speechless and near tears...

[Lyss]

Uh, I'm way too sensitive. I envision these things in my head when I read stuff like this. Hear the dogs screaming... how they must have felt betrayed, and what they thought as they lay in a pit dying next to their pack members. Excuse me, I have to go vomit now.

This. Exactly.

Another apparently dead dog was dumped into the grave. "‘Nora,' who he had shot approximately 20 minutes before, was crawling around in the mass grave he had dug for the animals. He had to climb down into the grave amidst the 10 or so bodies already there and put her out of her misery."

According to the claim, the dogs panicked as they watched their compatriots being killed, and attacked the worker as he finished his job. [Bethany Lindsay, ctvbc.ca]

[JulieSmith]

Have I got this right the general manager was the person who made the decision to get rid of the dogs, who decided to shoot the dogs, he is also the person who presented the courts documents from the employee (him) and the employer (him) to support his case for compensation due to his injuries and post traumatic stress.

The only thing I can think was that for some reason he was suffering some kind of psychotic problem at the time, how else could a normal person do such horrid things to their dogs.

[Sylvaen]

I also find it pretty shocking that OAW knew about the "euthanasia" and were fine with it - so long as it was done in a "humane, legal, blah blah" way. WTF! These are DOGS - living beings! HEALTHY DOGS. That's why the vet refused to euthanize them and Howling Dog Tours just brushed off the responsibility that they owed these animals by "getting rid of them" like old furniture. Utterly barbaric. It was their duty and responsibility to find homes for these dogs, not to have them killed... regardless of how it was done.

[SilverGhost]

makes me sick ....
no more words for that

[CaliforniaWolf]

The plot thickens. I heard that the "killer" called the SPCA BEFORE killing the dogs and they refused to help him. They stated "there's nothing we can do". I wonder if this is true....

[jyotin]

This is outrageous! I would hope that the sled dog industry would somehow come forward and make a statement AGAINST treating animals this way. Sick sick sick. When things like this happen I can't help but turn the tables and think what would happen if we started killing non-productive co-workers. Why couldn't those dogs be sent to a rescue organization? Why didn't the employee refuse, and offer to figure out where the dogs could go?.

Agreed. I'm sure there are many people who would have been willing to adopt some of these dogs. Its frustrating to see that they didnt even TRY to find other means to "get rid" of them. Just because they werent useful to them anymore does not mean no one else would have appreciated them, and definitely DOES NOT mean that the only option was to murder them. Some people have no heart.

[Lyss]

The plot thickens. I heard that the "killer" called the SPCA BEFORE killing the dogs and they refused to help him. They stated "there's nothing we can do". I wonder if this is true....

I believe I read that somewhere too; however, the BC SPCA released a news update today on their website claiming:

On behalf of the BC SPCA, I would like to make it clear to our supporters and to the public that the suggestion in the Vancouver Sun story published today (Feb. 2) that the BC SPCA had prior knowledge about the slaughter of the 100 sled dogs in Whistler is 100 per cent false.

It is deeply distressing to our organization that anyone would imply we had knowledge of, or could have prevented, the devastating killings carried out by Outdoor Adventures Whistler on April 21 and 23, 2010.

[Update from BC SPCA CEO Craig Daniell on Whistler Sled Dog Case]

I'm inclined to believe that the man did NOT do everything in his power to rehome the dogs. Even if the BC SPCA could not take the dogs (or all of them), they would have given him information and support and helped him find a rescue organization that would. He could have advertised the dogs all over the web, the town, and the media, reaching out to the public and asking them to help him find homes for the animals. As a tourist company, especially one located where the Olympics took place, I'm sure many people all over the world would have been willing to help out.

Dogs have lives too. You can't just arbitrarily throw them away

Here's an online copy of the WorkSafeBC report the employee made for PTSD compensation. I don't want to post details because some of the statements are pretty graphic. Also, Global BC was able to identify the perpetrator as "Bob Fawcett, an award-winning dog sledder" [Global News] who "had known a lot of dogs over the years […] and had named and raised a lot of the dogs that were put down." [WorkSafeBC claim]

[JulieSmith]

I started reading it, but had to stop, its just too upsetting. I am glad he has PTSD after what he did, he should have been a man and said no to killing the dogs and taken the time and effort to find new homes for them, surely they had earned the right to a few months free food while suitable homes were found. Nothing on earth could make me hurt any animal never mind my own dogs.

[Sylvaen]

Here's another article on the subject:
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2011/02/ ... ckson.html

[Julie]

This makes me sick. Those poor dogs. Oh the very bad things I would like to do to them people that were involved in that! I haven't been on here in a bit and decided to get online this afternoon and I had an email alert for the petion site through the care2 website, Of course I went and signed it there is about 28,000 signatures today.
Here is a link to sign the petition for prosecution of these horrible people. http://www.care2.com/go/z/e/AgBS_/zK1V/AmfzC
Wierd thing is that I went to Allegany State Park today to watch the CanAm dogsled races. Such beautiful dogs . Anyone that has such disregards for animals like the pieces of sh*t who massacred all those poor dogs should die a slow and very painful death!
Sorry to be so negative but hearing stories like that makes my blood BOIL!

[malamutemick]

I have signed the online petition for the prosecution of these people. the footage is distressing to say the least & how anybody could do this to any animal is beyond me - it is just too hard to take

[RoyAM]

I have signed the online petition for the prosecution of these people. the footage is distressing to say the least & how anybody could do this to any animal is beyond me - it is just too hard to take

+1

feel the same

[HiTenshi16]

I also signed.

[Tarheel]

I signed, #73,249

[JulieSmith]

I signed

[Sylvaen]

Here is the official report that the worker filed for compensation due to PTSD:
http://www.cbc.ca/bc/news/bc-110131-wor ... g-cull.pdf

Pretty crazy stuff... he seemed to have known that it wasn't right yet did it anyway because it was "his job" and is now suffering the consequences. He really should have thought about that beforehand - poor dogs knew what was happening and must have been terrified and betrayed... I wonder how the survivors are coping.

[JulieSmith]

Here is the official report that the worker filed for compensation due to PTSD:
http://www.cbc.ca/bc/news/bc-110131-wor ... g-cull.pdf

Pretty crazy stuff... he seemed to have known that it wasn't right yet did it anyway because it was "his job" and is now suffering the consequences. He really should have thought about that beforehand - poor dogs knew what was happening and must have been terrified and betrayed... I wonder how the survivors are coping.

I know when I got my terrier from a rescue, she was 6 to 8 months and it took her years to get over whatever had happened in her first home. I just hope that since the experience was a one off it will not have too much effect on the dogs for long.

I find it amazing that he thought it was his job to slaughter those dogs rather than fight for their right to live and be re-homed. Part of me is sorry he has PTSD, and part of me thinks serves him right he should have thought about how he would feel before he did it, but filing for compensation for something he chose to do does not seem right.

[Misaya]

Signed.

[SpiritEcho]

Disgusting! Sickening!
I heard about this on the news these people should not be permitted to continue in business!|

[Luccistar]

I don't understand how some could ever commit such acts... what a cold heart you must have to be able to hurt an innocent animal